MLB Standings: Brewers, Cardinals closing in on Cubs in NL Central race

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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 20: Javier Baez (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

National League Central

Chicago Cubs (66-57, .537, – GB)

Last Week: 2-2 vs. Reds, 3-0 vs. Blue Jays

Home Record: 34-28
Road Record: 32-29
Runs Scored: 597
Runs Allowed: 543
Run Differential: +54
Streak: Won 3
Last 10: 7-3

Milwaukee Brewers (65-60, .520, 2 GB)

Last Week: 2-0 vs. Pirates, 2-1 at Rockies

Home Record: 35-30
Road Record: 30-30
Runs Scored: 583
Runs Allowed: 563
Run Differential: +20
Streak: Won 2
Last 10: 6-4

St. Louis Cardinals (63-61, .508, 3.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-2 at Red Sox, 2-2 at Pirates

Home Record: 35-27
Road Record: 28-34
Runs Scored: 587
Runs Allowed: 539
Run Differential: +48
Streak: Lost 2
Last 10: 5-5

Pittsburgh Pirates (60-64, .484, 6.5 GB)

Last Week: 0-2 at Brewers. 2-2 vs. Cardinals

Home Record: 34-28
Road Record: 26-36
Runs Scored: 531
Runs Allowed: 572
Run Differential: -41
Streak: Won 2
Last 10: 4-6

Cincinnati Reds (53-72, .424, 14 GB)

Last Week: 2-2 at Cubs, 2-1 at Braves

Home Record: 29-31
Road Record: 24-41
Runs Scored: 595
Runs Allowed: 695
Run Differential: -100
Streak: Lost 1
Last 10: 5-5

By far the most interesting division race in baseball this season, the Cubs saw their lead shrink to a single gave after a four-game split with the Reds early in the week, but picked up a game in the standings after sweeping the Blue Jays in three games at Wrigley Field over the weekend.

Jake Arrieta, Jon Lackey, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana all put together solid performances on the mound, and closer Wade Davis was unhittable in four innings of relief spread across four appearances.

Offensively, Anthony Rizzo exploded for 12 hits, including two homers and three doubles, and 13 RBI in seven games. Kris Bryant homered twice as well and Ian Happ and Javy Baez each hit three long balls to lead the club.

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